I was thinking about getting tattooed since I was in high school, but I didn't want to rush into it. In the past I went in to a few shops and did research online. No place I found really felt right. Some places had great artists, but didn't seem like they cared about my little first time tattoo, some of the shops were very scary, dirty, and druggy looking. I hadn't thought about it for a while, until I was getting my hair done. My stylist (kimi martinson) had some great tattoos and she told me she had gotten them by Willie Stewart at Ananda Tattoo in the highlands / north Denver area. I go to regis, so it was close to home. When I first stopped by I was shocked by the level of comfort I felt. Willie was tattooing and the other guy, Jesse was painting. They both dropped what they were doing to say hello and ask if I needed help. We set up a consultation for a few days later, Willie sat down with me and drew up my tattoo for me. Some of the other shops I had talked to had sort of a ""my way or the highway"" mentality, they though what I wanted was stupid, and tried to talk me into something else. Willie explained to me that some things needed to be changed to make it work for tattooing. We ended up having to make some of the flowers and lettering a little bit bigger, but I love my tattoo! The experience of getting it done was great. The shop smelled very clean, and all the needles and tube things came out of brand new packages in front of me. I was worried that it would be hard to take care of, but they gave me simple directions. My tattoo never scabbed like I have seen on my friends. It just peeled like a sunburn and was healed in like 1 week! the color was super bright. he told me that touch-ups are free, but I never needed one. This was a great experience, I will send all my friends to Ananda Art and Tattoo, and I can't wait to get another one myself (as soon as I can afford it). thanks guys!!!!
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